Winger: 'Syl' was ultimate Lancers' supporter

Go to almost any high school in Michigan, and you will find someone who is a loyal supporter of the school's athletic teams.

In the case of Bullock Creek High School, one of those people was the late Sylvester Yager, who passed away at the age of 85 earlier this month.

Syl, as I came to know him over the years, had three sons who were Lancers. He was proud of them and was a faithful attendee at their athletic contests.

"I can't remember Syl ever missing a game. He was a real supporter of the Lancers," said Bill Mick, a former Bullock Creek coach.

Every time I had a chance to chat with Syl, it wasn't just about Bullock Creek sports. It could be about the Tigers or Lions, whatever was on his mind that day.

He always had a kind word for me and never failed to say "hello" whenever he spied me.

It is people like Syl who help to make an athletic program successful. I know that he will be missed in the Bullock Creek community.

I'm glad to have had the chance to call him friend.

* Sunday's game against the Minnesota Vikings showed just how much the Detroit Lions must rely on Jon Kitna as their quarterback.

When Kitna was knocked out of the game in the second quarter with an injury, the Lions' offense suffered. Backup J.T. O'Sullivan, who honed his skills in the NFL's Europa league, showed just how hard it is to adjust to playing in the NFL.

He struggled to get any consistency on offense and at times looked overwhelmed.

It wasn't until Kitna returned in the fourth quarter that the offense got back on track. From that point on, he directed the Lions to a 20-17 overtime victory at Ford Field.

To be honest, however, he wouldn't have gotten that chance in overtime had Ryan Longwell's field goal attempt not clanked off the left upright in the final seconds of regulation, thereby denying the Vikings another win over the Lions.

Sunday's game was a sloppily played affair by both teams, but it is the end result that counts. So the Lions are 2-0 and atop the NFC's Central Division with the Green Bay Packers.

Enjoy it while you can. With the history of the Lions, it might not last.

* Meanwhile, the Detroit Tigers continue their pursuit of a spot in the American League playoffs. Sunday's 6-4 win completed the Tigers' weekend sweep of the Minnesota Twins and kept them within striking distance of the Cleveland Indians in the Central Division and the New York Yankees in the race for the wild card berth.

With only 12 games remaining, starting with tonight's three-game series against the Indians in Cleveland, the Tigers' chances get slimmer with each passing day.

I think it is safe to say, however, that had they not suffered injuries to pitchers Kenny Rogers, Nate Robertson, Jeremy Bonderman, Fernando Rodney and Joel Zumaya and designated hitter Gary Sheffield, things could have been different.

If they don't make it back to the playoffs to defend their American League championship, look for president and general manager Dave Dombrowski to tweak the roster between now and the start of spring training next February.

There is no doubt, after years of ineptitude, that the Tigers are now in a position to make a strong run for the title each year.

Don Winger is the retired executive sports editor of the Daily News. E-mail him at dwinger103@aol.com or telephone him at 631-0347.